MILAN (AP) — Concerns and confusion have arisen in Italy following the announcement that a unit of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will be present during the upcoming Winter Games. Many locals have expressed outrage over the involvement of an agency associated with the Trump administration's controversial immigration policies.
The specific unit in question, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), operates within ICE and is focused on cross-border crimes. HSI agents often accompany U.S. law enforcement worldwide during significant events, such as the Olympics, to assist with security. It’s important to note that HSI operates separately from ICE's Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) division, which is at the forefront of the immigration enforcement narrative. There has been no indication that ERO officers will be part of the deployment in Italy.
Italy reacts to US security deployment
As reports began to emerge over the weekend regarding the deployment of ICE, local sentiment in Italy reflected a broader dissatisfaction with the U.S. administration’s immigration tactics and an underlying strain between the Trump administration and U.S. allies in Europe. Following a news report showing an ICE agent threatening an Italian news crew in Minneapolis, a wave of online petitions emerged against the presence of ICE at the Games, fueling public opposition.
Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala made it clear that ICE would not be welcome in his city, stating, “This is a militia that kills, a militia that enters into the homes of people, signing their own permission slips. It is clear they are not welcome in Milan, without a doubt.” His comments coincided with the city gearing up to host the opening ceremony on February 6, which will be attended by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, among others.
Italy’s Interior Ministry later clarified that HSI agents would work from a control room at the U.S. Consulate in Milan and would be partnering with other U.S. law enforcement agencies. The Ministry emphasized that these agents would not be involved in immigration enforcement duties in Italy. It also highlighted that HSI has been present in over 50 countries, including Italy for many years, to support local law enforcement.
ICE units breakdown
ICE is divided into different divisions, with Enforcement and Removal Operations focusing on deportations and immigration enforcement related activities. Conversely, HSI investigates a broad spectrum of transnational crimes, including drug trafficking and human smuggling. HSI agents maintain a diplomatic presence in various countries to facilitate investigations and bolster local law enforcement relationships.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, ICE will not conduct immigration enforcement operations abroad during the Olympics. Instead, HSI will collaborate with the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service and Italian authorities to manage risks presented by transnational criminal organizations. U.S. officials have indicated that the general public is unlikely to see or be aware of the HSI agents during the event, as they will primarily be operating behind the scenes.
Over the years, HSI has made conscious efforts to distance itself from immigration enforcement. Given the political opposition against such measures, they even rebranded their communications to improve public interactions in regions resistant to immigration enforcement.
However, under the Trump administration, HSI's focus has shifted, with increased cooperation between HSI and ICE’s deportation officers, particularly relating to immigration fraud investigations.
Reaction underscores fraught ties
The International Olympic Committee reiterated that security responsibilities lie with the host country's authorities, working closely with participating delegations. The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee also emphasized it coordinates security planning with the U.S. Department of State and host nation, not with domestic law enforcement or immigration agencies.
The public backlash in Italy illustrates the growing tensions between the U.S. and its traditional European allies, strained further amid various controversies affecting international relations during President Trump’s tenure. Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi is overseeing security operations for the Games, with over 6,000 police and security personnel planned for deployment across seven towns and cities in northern Italy, from Milan to the Austrian border.
During a meeting with law enforcement officials on Tuesday, Piantedosi maintained a diplomatic stance regarding the potential ICE deployment, expressing, “I don’t see what the problem would be.”
